UXR PoV for Neuroinclusive Emotion Regulation

2026-05-29

AI Summary

Current digital emotion regulation interventions offer insufficient support for neurodivergent populations, such as adults with ADHD, and lack robust theoretical integration alongside user experience research (UXR) methods tailored to their needs. This work proposes an innovative generative AI–enhanced UXR framework that synthesizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and the COM-B behavioral model. Through a four-stage process, the framework translates psychological mechanisms into actionable design narratives. Designed for reproducibility and bias awareness, it yields ten theory-driven UXR Play Cards that effectively bridge empirical psychological insights with design practice, thereby advancing human-centered, neuroinclusive digital mental health interventions.

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder which presents itself in individuals through patterns of developmentally inappropriate levels of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, with difficulties in decision making and emotional regulation (ER). Although digital and AI-based interventions have expanded access to ER support, many existing systems remain limited by weak theoretical integration, insufficient accommodation of neurodiversity, and a lack of structured user experience research (UXR) methodologies, that bridge psychological insight with design practice. This paper introduces a Generative AI-augmented UXR methodology, grounded in the UXR Point of View (PoV) Playbook, to support the design of emotionally intelligent and Neuroinclusive digital ER interventions for adults with ADHD. The approach integrates empirical evidence with established psychological frameworks Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and the COM-B behavioural model and leverages Generative AI as a co-analytic tool to support synthesis, hypothesis formation, and design articulation. The methodology is operationalized through a four-stage UXR process encompassing AI-supported hypothesis generation, foundational planning, insight generation via Building Blocks, and the construction of stakeholder-specific PoV narratives. This process results in a set of ten theory informed UXR Play Cards that translate psychological mechanisms and empirical findings into actionable design guidance. The primary contribution of this work is a replicable, bias-aware framework for integrating Generative AI into UXR practice, advancing human-centred and Neuroinclusive approaches to digital mental health design.

Problem

• emotion regulation
• neurodiversity
• user experience research
• ADHD
• digital mental health

Innovation

• Generative AI
• Neuroinclusive Design
• User Experience Research (UXR)
• Emotion Regulation
• ADHD